today's other readings are Psalm 25 and Mark 12: 18-27
The book of Tobit is one of my favourites in the Bible. It is the story of a devout Jewish man named Tobit who, along with his family, has been deported by the conquering Assyrians after 721 BC. This book also features his son, Tobias, Tobias' future wife, Sarah, and a mysterious stranger who later reveals himself to be Raphael, one of the 7 archangels of God.
In our reading today we hear of the despair of Tobit, who has been tragically blinded, as well as the despair of Sarah, who has watched her 7 husbands die each wedding night.
Both plead to God for His mercy. Both plead for death, as they see no hope for the future, but Sarah does add a clause for pity and mercy if God does not slay her.
As the story unfolds, we will see how God's mercy is extended to the two of them. For God's mercy is far greater than their despair, and for that matter, any of our despairs. For which, we are thankful.